Gas prices drop to lowest in 2013

Retail gas prices fell across the nation last week. For many states, this week's average price for a gallon of regular gas is the lowest price of the year.

The national average of $3.35 a gallon is at its lowest price since Jan. 28, when prices were on an upward trend. Both Florida's average of $3.31 and Georgia's average of $3.23 reflect the lowest prices of the year. Prior to Monday, the lowest average price for both states was on Jan. 1 when the average was $3.36 in Florida and $3.26 in Georgia.

Although Tennessee's average of $3.18 is creeping lower, the bottom price was $3.13 a gallon during the first week of the 2013.

"Weakened demand and the government shutdown continue to dampen the economic outlook and push oil prices lower," said Jessica Brady, AAA spokesperson. "Gas prices would have dropped further had Tropical Storm Karen not caused oil platforms to make precautionary shutdowns in the Gulf. Now that Karen has passed, motorists will likely see pump prices drop further this week."

A barrel of oil settled Friday at $103.84 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, which was 97 cents more than the week prior. The national average price of regular unleaded gasoline is $3.35, 6 cents less than last week. Florida's average of $3.31 fell 4 cents and Georgia's average of $3.23 dropped 3 cents. Tennessee's average of $3.18 also decreased 3 cents from last week.